Start bidding on items to save money

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If you love the thrill of bidding on an item using sites like Ebay, you must try the auction site . Like Ebay, Listia lets you list and buy items – the best part is there are no fees to bid or join, like other sites, and no money is needed to purchase items.

Items can be purchased using credits. You will earn 100 credits for joining and accumulate more if you connect with Facebook and Twitter. Listing items and inviting friends will also earn you credits.

The amount of credits varies. If you need credits right away, you can buy more from Listia at $1 for 10 credits, but the credits cannot be cashed out. The credits you accumulate can then be used to bid on all types of items.

On the site you will find all types of items listed by category. There are CDs and DVDs, beauty items, clothing and shoes, and even auto parts. I found a Dodge/Chrysler black stereo in excellent condition with a current bid of 100 credits. There was also a Paris Hilton’s Heiress Perfume going for 1510 credits. The listing for the perfume indicated there was free shipping.

Listings for each item have all the information you need like shipping costs, if any, and the name and location of the seller. Most listings include photos. You will be notified by e-mail if you win the auction.

Like any other auction site, there are risks. Listia.com suggests looking for sellers with good feedback and/or account verification. Another suggestion is to stick to bids with free shipping as most of the scams involve shipping money. If your item requires a shipping fee, Paypal is your best option. As always, never share personal financial information.

Hmmnnn… very nice concept with the credit thing. If you are the seller, youwill be paid by credits, but how would you get your money from the sale if you cannot convert your credits to cash? It could be a one way transaction. All monies are inside the site.

Niconail is right. The credits you earn from a sell can be used to ‘buy’ an item you want. If there is nothing listed that you want, you can use the credits on the site’s Rewards Auctions that are meant to reward those with a lot of credits. The Rewards Auction includes brand new products and gift cards.